Preview Real Madrid-Athletic: curiosities, statistics, data and anecdotes

The chances of Real Madrid winning the title have vanished, but the club secured their Champions League spot for next season a long time ago before Saturday's league clash at the Bernabéu against Athletic Club, who are fighting for a last-minute spot in the Conference League qualifiers.

Real Madrid sits second with 83 points, 11 behind leaders Barcelona. Celta de Vigo, sixth and the first team outside the Champions League spots, trail the Whites by 32 points. Real Madrid won their last LaLiga match 0-1 at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán against Sevilla.

Athletic Club drew 1-1 with Celta de Vigo at San Mamés in their last league game, extending their winless streak to three matches and leaving them in 12th place with 45 points. Athletic are three points behind Getafe, seventh, for a Conference League qualifying spot.

Madrid won 0-3 at San Mamés

In the previous LaLiga meeting between these sides, Real Madrid triumphed 0-3 at San Mamés in December. Kylian Mbappé led the Whites with goals in the 7th and 59th minutes. Eduardo Camavinga also found the net.

Mbappé's attacking prowess has been crucial for Real Madrid this season. He tops the club's scoring charts with 24 goals, more than any other player in the 2025/2026 league campaign, 11 of which were opening goals.

Gorka Guruzeta, Nico Williams and Robert Navarro have been Athletic Club's most prolific players this term, with nine, six and six goals respectively.

The hosts, Real Madrid, have been formidable at home this season, with 15 wins, one draw and just two defeats in 18 LaLiga matches. The Whites will aim to extend their five-game unbeaten league run since March 14 against Elche. In away league matches this season, Athletic have collected just 15 points from a possible 54.

In their last six league outings, Real Madrid have won four, drawn one and lost one. Meanwhile, Athletic have won two, drawn one and lost three.